11-18-2024
Purdue has one of the most diverse student populations in the country with students from more than 125 different countries, including 99 countries represented in the Daniels School of Business alone. As a celebration of that diversity, International Education Week provides the opportunity to highlight both a current international student and a recent international alum.
“My perspectives have broadened and I have developed a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of adaptability in a global context.” — Yusuf Yusuf
Yusuf Yusuf, a senior finance major from Abuja, Nigeria, was drawn to Purdue’s international reputation for academic excellence. “The diverse and global community at Purdue, along with the extensive range of student clubs and organizations, offers an enriching environment for personal and professional growth,” he says. “The university's commitment to affordability also made it an ideal choice for me to pursue my academic and career goals.”
Adjusting to a new culture was challenging at first, Yusuf says, especially when faced with unfamiliar customs and values. “While it may feel overwhelming initially, the experience has proven to be incredibly rewarding over time,” he says. “My perspectives have broadened and I have developed a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of adaptability in a global context.”
The rewards don’t stop there, however. “As an international student, I have gained a genuine global perspective,” Yusuf says. “My time at Purdue has fostered significant personal, academic, and cultural growth. Through interactions with the diverse student body, I’ve been able to immerse myself in various cultures, expand my worldview, enhance my communication skills and become more open-minded.”
Yusuf found numerous resources to support his journey. “The Office of International Students and Scholars has been invaluable, offering workshops and events specifically tailored to our needs,” he says. “And the on-campus mosque provided a supportive community where I had the chance to meet new people, including fellow international students. Student organizations like Boilermaker Consulting and the African Student Union also played a crucial role in helping me build connections and friendships, all while supporting my professional development.”
Yusuf says current international students and alumni can further help by volunteering and taking on roles that inform incoming students about available support systems at Purdue. “By establishing a direct line of communication between alumni, current students and new international students, we can share valuable advice on how we navigated adapting to a new culture,” he says. “This exchange will empower new international students to make the most of their time at Purdue and successfully acclimate to their new environment.”
Stephanie Rejman, who earned a BS in marketing from the Daniels School in 2021, currently works as the partnerships marketing manager for the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty. A native of Brazil, she grew up moving between her home country, the U.S. and Germany, where she attended the Frankfurt International School. “Purdue stood out to me because of its strong academic reputation, passionate sports culture, and diverse student community,” she says. “I also felt very drawn to the atmosphere on campus when I came to visit.”
“The culture at Purdue had a unique blend of midwestern and international elements, which made me feel strangely at home.” — Stephanie Rejman
Since Rejman had already lived in the U.S., she had an easier time adjusting than many international students. “The culture at Purdue had a unique blend of midwestern and international elements, which made me feel strangely at home,” she says. “It felt good to have that feeling of familiarity while also being able to experience the fresh perspectives of my peers.”
The most rewarding part of being an international student for Rejman was the opportunity to connect not only with people from her own country, but also with individuals from across the world. “It created a bond with other international students, allowing me to learn about different cultures and perspectives,” she says. “This global network expanded my worldview, deepened my understanding of diversity and helped me form meaningful relationships that I cherish to this day.”
Rejman also joined the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) during her freshman year at Purdue and remained an active member throughout all four years of college. “My involvement in BRASA was incredibly important to my experience at Purdue — it provided me with a sense of community and a strong connection to my roots. It also allowed me to grow personally and professionally, while forming meaningful relationships with fellow Brazilians,” she says. “I was able to share experiences, celebrate our culture and build a support system that made my time at Purdue even more enriching.”
As a student, Rejman helped start a mentorship program within BRASA for incoming Brazilian students. “The program was designed to pair upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to guide them through the adaptation process,” she says. “I'm proud to say that it continues to thrive to this day.”
As an alumnus, Rejman is always eager to connect with international students and offer support in any way she can. “Most recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a virtual event where international alumni shared their experiences and provided advice to current international students at Purdue,” she says. “It was rewarding to give back to the community that helped shape me, and I’m excited to continue offering guidance to students navigating their own journeys.”
As part of her message, Rejman shares the gratitude she feels for her time as a Boilermaker. “Purdue was a great match for me, and I think it offered the perfect balance of academic rigor and cultural diversity,” she says. “My experience as an international student is something I will never forget. The memories and friendships I built at Purdue will stay with me forever, and they’ve played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.”
